A Biography of Rinjiro Shirata – Part 2, by Kozo Kaku

“I want to follow Sensei’s footsteps as my life path.” Shirata Rinjiro’s words delighted the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba. At that time, the Kobukan Dojo was inseparably linked to the Omoto religion, and one would often see Omoto believers training. On the other hand, there were also many highly ranked practitioners of arts like kendo and judo and among the trainees. Rinjiro, having perceived aikido [the art was actually known as "Aiki Budo" at this time] as a true martial art, was especially promising in Morihei’s eyes…